EXCLUSIVE | Michele Ohayon who directed 'Strip Down, Rise Up' says she 'lost a few jobs to male directors'
The much-awaited Netflix documentary 'Strip Down, Rise Up' is all set to release on February 5, 2021. Directed by Academy-Award nominated filmmaker Michèle Ohayon, the documentary focuses on the unexplored domain of pole dancing. Deemed to be a powerful film on women empowerment, 'Strip Down, Rise Up' navigates the scope of pole dancing beyond sensual appeal, and how the art helps several women emerge victorious from their struggles with abuse, trauma, and body shaming.
Director Michèle Ohayon is a brilliant storyteller who documented the beautiful journey of these women and presented it to the world to inspire many more. She has always been a champion of the untold and unsung stories, with her acclaimed documentaries such as 'Colors Straight Up', 'Pressure', ‘It was A Wonderful Life’, ‘Cowboy del Amor’, 'Cristina' and ‘Steal A Pencil For Me’.
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The undaunted director, who is also a doting mother and an advocate of women's emancipation, sat down for an exclusive interview with MEAWW.
What was your inspiration behind creating 'Strip Down, Rise Up'?
I’ve witnessed women come to pole-dance thinking it’s “just” fitness”, but discovered a deeper meaning. I wanted to make a film that celebrates women’s bodies and shows a way to heal through sensual movement. I wanted to tell the stories of women who have been victims, taking their power back and become victorious.
All your films have a powerful message. What is the message you are trying to convey with 'Strip Down, Rise Up'?
My wish in making this film is to set the stage for understanding and compassion for what all women for generations have gone through and are still going through all over the world. It is shocking that almost every woman will be shamed, oppressed, mocked, or abused at some point in her life.
I also wanted to show that sensual dance is inclusive and is for every age, body type, and background. My film aims to give a voice and celebrate this diverse group of women, their power, their pain, their reclamation, their raw beauty, as they bravely move through deep emotions in order to heal.
Tell us how you discovered your passion for navigating untold stories through films.
I was always interested in storytelling. I “directed” my little neighborhood theater group which I formed at the age of 12. I discovered film when I was 18 and made my first film at the age of 19. I was blown away by the possibilities the film had to offer — both on the technical and visual side, as well as the storytelling language and tools that were much more sophisticated than theater. I went to Tel Aviv University to study the art of film but worked on my teachers’ sets already in year one to get hands-on experience. I grew up in a house of movie lovers. My parents were into art and French cinema, my first film love.
Is it true that you served in the Israel Defense Force? Tell us about your time in the army. Did that experience prompt you to make 'Pressure'?
Yes, I served for a short time. It is mandatory in Israel for women as well as men. My two sisters and my brother have also served. 'Pressure' was inspired by a true story of a friend of mine who went through a similar experience. Love can be strong but pressures and prejudices can disrupt the heart bond.
Have you faced any struggle with gender discrimination in your career?
I don’t see myself as a victim. I try to turn the challenges into expression and whenever needed, a motivator to be the best. It was hard to get an agent when I landed in Hollywood, and yes, I lost a few jobs to male directors. But it made me find my own voice and make the films I wanted to make, and partner with people that saw my talent beyond gender.
How did you feel after learning about the Academy Award nomination for 'Colors Straight Up'?
It was a surprise! I had just given birth to my second child Gabe, and the phone rang at 3 am while I was breastfeeding. I thought it was a joke. I was elated — mostly because it was a positive recognition for the kids in South Central LA/Watts, who were portrayed in the film. I managed to get them tickets to the Oscars (seven of them) and sent a white Limo to Watts to pick them up for the red carpet. It was a beautiful moment, to see all gangs come together to celebrate their own positive story. A moment in the history of unity.
Who are your Top 3 favorite filmmakers in Hollywood?
My favorite filmmakers are actually Europeans — Truffaut, Antonioni, Bertolucci. Among Americans, I love Billy Wilder, Robert Wise, Stanley Kubrick. I was blessed to have had Robert Wise as my mentor when I came to LA.
When not planning your next film, how do you spend time?
I practice yoga, meditate, write, researching other projects, spend time with my (grown) children, and enjoy the company of my life partner David. I am now planning a lifestyle brand around women healing through a movement called Kavana.
The documentary ‘Strip Down, Rise Up’ will release on Friday, February 5, 2021, on Netflix.
